Property Crimes Lawyer In Thousand Oaks, CA

Do you need legal help handling a property crime accusation in Thousand Oaks?

You can face serious consequences if you are convicted of a property crime in Thousand Oaks, CA. Crimes like arson, burglary, trespassing, and vandalism can be prosecuted very seriously by the court system in California, leading to fines and lengthy periods of incarceration.

Fortunately, you can get professional help on your side right away. A property crimes lawyer in Thousand Oaks can begin working to defend you immediately after an arrest. Reach out to the team at the Simmrin Law Group today to increase your odds of successfully resolving a property crime charge.

Property Crimes in Thousand Oaks: Arson

Acts that cause damage to someone else’s property or possessions can be prosecuted as property crimes in Thousand Oaks. Arson is the first of these crimes that we will consider. Arson involves starting a fire intentionally. Arson may be prosecuted as:

Reckless Burning

Reckless burning charges apply if someone starts a fire for the thrill or excitement of it. Individuals with a mental illness – like pyromania – may also be charged with reckless burning for an act of arson. Reckless burning may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Malicious Arson

Malicious arson charges may be used if someone starts a fire in order to hurt someone, destroy property, or defraud their insurance company. Individuals must generally act while motivated by anger, revenge, spite, or jealousy to be charged with malicious arson. Malicious arson is treated as a felony in Thousand Oaks.

Property Crimes in Thousand Oaks: Burglary

Burglary involves entering someone else’s property, a room, or a locked vehicle so you can commit a felony or petty theft. There are two major charges used to prosecute burglary in Thousand Oaks. Let’s go over them now:

First-Degree Burglary

Individuals who enter a private residence to commit petty theft or a felony may be charged with first-degree burglary. This is also called “residential burglary.” Generally, a first-degree burglary is always prosecuted as a felony.

Second-Degree Burglary

Entering a business to carry out a felony or petty theft can be prosecuted as second-degree burglary. You may also hear this charge referred to as “commercial burglary.” You could face misdemeanor or felony charges for second-degree burglary.

Property Crimes in Thousand Oaks: Trespassing

Anyone who enters someone else’s property without permission can be charged with trespassing in Thousand Oaks. You could be charged with an infraction if you simply enter someone else’s property without caused damage. The court system could also charge you with:

Criminal Trespass

Criminal trespass involves entering someone’s property to:

Interfere with it

Damage it

Note that even attempting to interfere with or damage property can result in criminal trespass charges. It does not matter if you are successful or not.

Aggravated Trespass

You could be charged with aggravated trespass if someone accuses you of:

Threatening them or their family

Entering their home, business, or a building adjacent to their home

Within 30 days of the threat

Aggravated trespass can be considered a felony in Thousand Oaks. Criminal trespassing is a misdemeanor.

Property Crimes in Thousand Oaks: Vandalism

Damaging, defacing, or destroying someone else’s property is considered vandalism in Thousand Oaks. Like the other charges we have discussed, vandalism can be prosecuted in multiple ways. Depending upon your situation, you could be charged with a(n):

Infraction for Vandalism

Causing less than $250 in damage may be treated as an infraction by the court system. Note that this charge may no longer apply if you are accused of committing multiple small acts of vandalism.

Misdemeanor for Vandalism

The court can charge individuals with a misdemeanor for vandalism if:

They commit one act of vandalism that causes between $250-$400 in damage

They commit multiple smaller acts of vandalism

This charge will be prosecuted more harshly than an infraction.

Felony for Vandalism

Felony charges are more severe than infractions and misdemeanors. Anyone who causes over $400 in damage in an act of vandalism could be charged with a felony. Make sure you are ready to handle any vandalism charge by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Thousand Oaks as soon as you are arrested.

A Thousand Oaks Property Crimes Lawyer Can Help You

You can take charge of your future if you were accused of a property crime in Thousand Oaks. Reach out to the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group today to start constructing a strong defense. Our team of property crimes lawyers in Thousand Oaks can go over your situation today with a FREE case evaluation.

Call us at (310) 997-4688 or complete our online contact form to get started now.